Beijing Top Children's Attractions

Beijing Zoo
Positioned in a beautiful location surrounded by trees, gardens, and stunning natural scenery is the oldest and largest zoo in the Asia-Pacific region. Formerly an agricultural experimental farm during the reign of Emperor Guangxu, the area became known as the "Garden of Ten Thousand Animals" and was opened for public viewing in 1908. Its role as a public zoo however was rather short lived. During the Japanese occupation of Beijing from 1937-1945, the area fell into disrepair and its animal population dramatically dwindled. However revamped, renamed and re-opened in 1950 to the general public, Beijing zoo is now a key attraction in the city and serves as a great day out for children and parents alike.
 
Crowds are treated to a range of exotic animals including bears, elephants, lions, tigers, hippopotamuses, rhinoceroses, and most of all, the famously iconic Chinese pandas. Only a short stroll from Xizhimen metro station, Beijing zoo is within easy access of all area of the city making it a convenient choice for an afternoon's entertainment.

Beijing Aquarium
Based in the north-eastern grounds of Beijing Zoo is also the site for the Beijing Aquarium; the largest and most impressive of its kind in China, and the biggest inland aquarium collection in the world. Opened in 1999, this multi-award winning attraction spans a floor space of over 42,000 square meters and contains around 18,000 tons of artificial seawater. As well as it impressive size, the aquarium is housed in an eye-catching and remarkably modern building that resembles a giant blue trumpet shell that appears to lie on a beach embraced by flowers and trees.

During your visit you can experience a range of exciting sights and activities that are displayed in seven themed areas named "Amazon Rain Forest", "Touching Pool", "Tour of the Seabed", "Shark's Dock", "Chinese Sturgeon Hall", "Whale and Dolphin Bay", and "Sea Theater". Whether flocking to enjoy the daily performances of Dolphins and Sea-Lions within the "Sea Theatre", admiring the sight of the piranhas in the "Amazon Rain Forest", or bravely plunging into the tank of the shark aquarium, guests can be guaranteed a fantastic days entertainment at this must-see Beijing attraction.

Natural History Museum
An enormous 1950's building is the site for the largest Natural History Museum in China, which hosts three types of collections devoted to Zoology, Paleontology and Botany. Since its founding in 1951, the museum has grown to house over 200,000 items and plays an important role in providing a location for specimen collection, academic research and scientific study. Due to its important role as a site for research, it is one of the few museums in China to be named as a National Youth Science and Technology Education Base.

On entering the museum, guests are welcomed by the recently revamped "Dinosaur Hall" which displays an impressive selection of prehistoric skeletons including that of a "Mamenchisaurus jingyanensis" and "Protoceratops" that roamed China millions of years ago. The hall also provides a wealth of information on the history of dinosaurs in China accompanied by illustrations and activities for youngsters.

The second floor of the museum is devoted to its zoology collection which depicts a vivid picture of the origin and evolution of life. The collection provides an overview of life from its early aquatic origins through to the diversity of animals today, through use of illustrations, movies, and a large array of taxidermy.

Science and Technology Museum
Packed full of fascinating exhibits, fun activities, and a wealth of academic information, it is no wonder the Beijing Science and Technology Museum has been referred to as "an oasis of educational fun". Opened to the public in September 1988 and located in the Xicheng District of Beijing, the museum acts as an important front of popular science education in China, whose main task is to "disseminate knowledge of science and technology among the public, and help increase the scientific and cultural literacy of all citizens". That said, it is also an extremely fun and rewarding day of entertainment.

Popular amongst Beijing school children, the three-floors of the museum feature a variety of engaging hands-on exhibits, from a collection of talking robots, to mindboggling optical illusions, and an even experiment that replicates the feeling of standing on the moon. Most importantly, the museum provides an abundance of written and visual information including the use of stunning IMAX films that are all available in English.

Beijing Planetarium
Located in a brand-new building in Xicheng District at a cost of over $36 million, the Beijing Planetarium boasts state-of-the-art facilities that have gained it the reputation as a "Palace for Science". Aiming to present the vast mysteries of the universe to an audience of all ages, the Planetarium uses the world's most advanced ultra-high-definition viewing theatre to give audiences a "magnificent and artistic show of celestial phenomena" guaranteed to stun and amaze.

As well as the impressive SGI Digital Universe, visitors can also now enjoy a unique 4-D show that invites the audience strap on a pair of goggles and witness the creation of the solar system and the origins on life on earth in a performance that combines the wonder of the stars with the thrill of prehistoric dinosaurs. An experience both frightening and amazing that is not quickly forgotten. If these world-class shows were not enough, other exciting exhibits include a 3-D space shuttle simulator, observatory, and a huge collection of meteorites.